Selwood donates plant equipment to TV show that helps transform lives

Leading plant hire provider Selwood came to the rescue when a BBC makeover show needed equipment to help with the life-changing transformation of a family home.

DIY SOS, led by TV presenter Nick Knowles, descended on the home of the Philp family in Torquay to carry out a major refurbishment that would make their lives easier. Stuart Philp lives with multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair, while his mum Lin is blind and walks across Torquay from her own home every day to care for him. At the start of the Big Build, Nick Knowles told the army of volunteers that they would be changing the family's lives, allowing Stuart, his daughter Lauren and mum Lin to live together for the first time.

Terry Clark, Branch Manager of Selwood’s Exeter branch, spotted an advert from DIY SOS, calling on local tradespeople to help with the project. Selwood was able to provide a 1.5-tonne excavator, one-tonne dumper and 6m telehandler for the duration of the job.

Over the course of a week, and despite freezing temperatures and torrential rain, the DIY SOS team transformed the two-bedroom home, adding an extra room and giving the garden a new look. The programme will be screened later in the year.

Terry said: “We were delighted to be able to help the show and make a difference of the Philp family. Being an active part of the community is very important to Selwood and we wish the family a bright future in their new home.”